Sheep Industry News January 2024

Optimize forage management

Supplement or balance diets to recommended protein levels • Oversupplying protein results in N losses and subsequent N 2 O emissions

• Match animal needs with pasture/forage quality • Incorporate legumes and tannin containing forages into pastures • Strategic use of

Utilize cropping practices that promote soil health and carbon sequestration (maintenance of living roots, coverage, minimal disturbance, greater plant diversity in/of soil).

Minimize fertilizer use

• Test soils frequently and apply only recommended level • Apply manure and fertilizer during optimal conditions

annual forages, brassica grazing emits ~25% less GHG

• Grow and graze cover crops on your farm or neighbors

Seek managed grazing opportunities (vegetation management of solar arrays, vineyards, watersheds, crop residues, fire breaks, etc.)

Improve manure management • Avoid wet and/or warm storage conditions to limit fermentation (CH 4 formation) • Minimize animal camping under trees and near water sources to lower N 2 O emissions

Consult with local conservation experts to identify practices that improve wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration • Incorporate trees/shrubs, maintain/establish pollinator and bird habitats into appropriate areas • Identify farm areas that can be maintained/reserved for wildlife habitat that is compatible with sheep production

• Utilize proper composting practices to avoid anaerobic conditions

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases (GHG). The main greenhouse gases in agriculture are:

Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is emitted from fertilizers and manure; it is 265 times more potent than CO 2 in terms of warming potential and stays in the atmosphere for over one hundred years.

Methane (CH 4 ) is mainly emitted from the microbial activity in the rumen, which is called enteric fermentation, but also from manure fermentation; it is 27 times more potent than CO 2 averaged over 100 years but is only in the atmosphere for about 12 years.

Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is emitted from burning fossil fuels and organic material (vegetation, trees, etc.) and stays in the atmosphere for hundreds of years

AMERICANLAMB.COM

January 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 19